Generic Viagra could be available in Germany by 2013

When Viagra was first introduced in 1998 it was a blockbuster hit right from the start and men all over the world had an option to treat erectile dysfunction. The generic drug maker Ratiopharm, based in Düsseldorf Germany, plans on bringing a cheaper generic version of Viagra to the German market in 2013. Since the patent for Viagra will expire in less than 4 years, generic drug manufactures are already getting ready to launch their generic versions.

Drugs which hold a patent are normally sold at very high costs due to the maker’s discovery and introduction of the medication. Generic medicines are much cheaper and sildenafil citrate is known to be the generic name for Viagra . Although sildenafil is most commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction it can be used to treat other health issues such as altitude sickness and pulmonary hypertension. It has even been used by athletes to improve the blood flow to muscles and boost performance in sport competition.

According to a report by business weekly, Ratiopharm expects the European Union to approve a cheaper version on Viagra by next year. The CEO of Ratiopharm believes this movement of introducing a generic version of Viagra to German men will help the company increase sales by up to 2.4 billion Euros by 2014.

There have been other pharmaceutical companies that haven attempted to release a generic version of Viagra in the past, but due to its patent protection, it was never allowed. Novopharm wanted to create a generic version and challenged the Viagra patent but Canadian courts ruled against it.

Canada court rules in Pfizer's favor by saying no to generic .
“A judge prohibited the Canadian health minister from the approval of the generic drug and will not get approved until the patent for Viagra runs out” (read the article here )